Sweet Tips for Reducing Heart Disease
February 2005 - February brings Valentine's Day a time for roses, chocolates and cards. It also represents American Heart Month, a time for learning more about heart disease and how to prevent it. Be a sweetheart to your own heart by following these tips to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Be Active
Strive for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise three to four times a week. Regular exercise can help lower your chances of developing heart disease, as well as keep your blood cholesterol at a healthy level. Remember to check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Eat Right
Excess weight makes your heart work harder than normal, and it may lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. You can maintain a healthy weight by following a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy products and lean meats. It's also helpful to limit fats, sweets and alcohol. If you need help achieving a healthy weight, you may benefit from programs offered by Memorial Fitness & Rehabilitation Centers.
Manage Your Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk for vascular disease and coronary artery disease, so it is very important that you learn how to manage your condition. Check with your physician to see if you may benefit from diabetes management services at Memorial Healthcare System.
Investigate Your Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Ask your doctor what your cholesterol level should be, based on your family history, age and other risk factors. Then, keep your cholesterol at a healthy level by limiting your dietary fat and maintaining a cholesterol intake of less than 300 milligrams per day.
Nix the Cigarettes
Smoking doubles your risk of dying from heart disease, but quitting greatly reduces your risk - almost as much as if you had never smoked at all. Smoking cessation programs are available through Memorial Fitness & Rehabilitation Centers.
Evaluate Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than normal, which may lead to an enlarged and weakened heart. It also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is now considered prehypertensive and readings higher than that should be monitored carefully.
If you are concerned about your risk for heart disease and would like a referral to one of our highly qualified physicians, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS.
For information about fitness programs, please call Memorial Regional Hospital Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at (954) 265-5800 or Memorial Hospital West Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at (954) 844-7125.